Holiday survival guide: Tips from film and television

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Warner Bros. / Fox / Miramax / Disney

By Emily Christianson, Los Angeles Times Don't let hectic shopping trips, grouchy relatives and complicated recipes zap all your holiday spirit this season. Reclaim the joy and learn a lesson or two from other people's mistakes -- in this case, your favorite families and friends from film and television. Before you cut down a tree 10 times too big for your living room or burn the Christmas bird, read our survival guide to the holidays.

By Emily Christianson, Los Angeles Times Don't let hectic shopping trips, grouchy relatives and complicated recipes zap all your holiday spirit this season. Reclaim the joy and learn a lesson or two from other people's mistakes -- in this case, your favorite families and friends from film and television. Before you cut down a tree 10 times too big for your living room or burn the Christmas bird, read our survival guide to the holidays. (Warner Bros. / Fox / Miramax / Disney)

Show your friends, family and community you care by spreading a little holiday cheer. If you don't have the pipes to pull off a performance like the kids at "Glee's" William McKinley High School did for their teachers, try caroling, baking or donating your time.

Show your friends, family and community you care by spreading a little holiday cheer. If you don't have the pipes to pull off a performance like the kids at "Glee's" William McKinley High School did for their teachers, try caroling, baking or donating your time. (Fox)